Croatia secured a place at next year’s World Cup with a 3-1 win that ended tiny Faroe Islands‘ dream on Friday.
Croatia knew before kickoff that avoiding defeat in Rijeka would guarantee qualification but it was caught cold in the 16th minute when Geza David Turi scored with a deflected shot.
The 2018 World Cup runners-up quickly recovered, however, as Josko Gvardiol leveled in the 23rd. Making his return to the national team after two years away, Petar Musa put Croatia ahead 2-1 after halftime from Josip Stanisic‘s assist.
In complete control, Croatia added a third goal when Nikola Vlasic volleyed in a precise cross from Ivan Perisic at the far post.
The win sends Croatia to a fourth consecutive World Cup, and seventh overall, while star midfielder Luka Modric will no be eyeing a fifth World Cup appearance at the age of 40.
It was Faroe Islands’ final match in Group L and the team will finish third behind runners-up Czechia. The second-placed team advances to the playoffs for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
